Tokyo adopts four-day workweek to tackle population crisis

Tokyo adopts four-day workweek to tackle population crisis

To tide over its population crisis due to declining birth rates and an aging population, Tokyo government is introducing a four-day workweek for its metropolitan government employees starting in April 2025. This initiative aims to address challenges faced by working parents, especially women, by promoting work-life balance. A new “childcare partial leave” policy will also allow some employees to work two fewer hours per day. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike emphasised on the need to create flexible work options so women can maintain careers while managing childcare responsibilities.

Japan’s fertility rate is critically low at 1.2, with Tokyo’s at 0.99, far below the 2.1 rate required to stabilise the population. Despite past measures like parental leave, daycare subsidies, cash incentives, and even a government-run dating app, the birth rate has continued to decline.

A four-day workweek could alleviate Japan’s demanding work culture, which disproportionately burdens women with housework and childcare. Studies show such policies increase men's participation in domestic work, which could support women in having more children. For instance, men spent 22% more time on childcare during four-day workweek trials in multiple countries.

While societal shifts are needed for widespread adoption, research indicates four-day workweeks improve productivity, reduce stress, and enhance well-being. However, experts caution that this is not a universal solution and must be part of broader systemic changes to address Japan’s demographic challenges.